Tag: football

BBC ALBA brings historic Junior Cup Final to fans

BBC ALBA has secured the exclusive rights to air the Scottish Junior Cup Final – the annual tournament labelled the ‘Holy Grail’ in junior football.

Broadcasting from Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld, BBC ALBA Spòrs presenter, Micheal Steele, alongside commentator, Alex O’Henley, will bring viewers all the live action as Johnstone Burgh take on Tranent this afternoon (Sunday 1 June).

As both sides battle it out for the coveted piece of silverware, it’s set to be a high-stakes clash in one of junior football’s most prestigious competitions.

Johnstone Burgh midfielder Aaron Mason, who scored the winning goal against Largs Thistle to secure the Renfrewshire-side’s place in the Junior Cup Final for first time in 25 years, said: “It’s a great feeling to be playing in a Scottish Junior Cup Final, and to be part of it with my teammates representing a great football club means a lot. We’ve worked hard all season for this and now we have the chance to go make it count!”

Burgh last made it to the final in 2000 when they faced Whitburn Juniors at Partick Thistle’s Firhill. The game finished 2-2 with the East of Scotland League side going on to win on penalties.

Tranent celebrated reaching the Junior Cup Final for the first time in 90 years after a 3-2 aggregate win over Drumchapel United earlier this month. The East Lothian club have played in the final twice before, losing to Yoker Athletic in 1933 and then lifting the trophy two years later, with a 6-1 victory over Petershill at Ibrox.

Playing in the tournament for the first time since leaving the Junior leagues, Tranent defender, Euan Bauld, said: “It’s a great feeling to be in the final! We’ve had a month to look forward to it so all the boys are buzzing.

“It’s a massive day for the club as it’s 90 years since Tranent last won the Scottish Junior Cup. Hopefully we can do the town proud and bring home the trophy.”

The Junior Cup Final kicks off at 4.05pm, with BBC ALBA coverage from 4pm.

Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “The Scottish Junior Cup Final is a standout event in BBC ALBA’s spring sporting schedule that showcases the passion and commitment of the players – and their communities – at every level of the game.

“With two passionate clubs, with everything to play for, this year’s final promises all the drama and excitement that makes Junior football so unique and we’re proud to be able to showcase this iconic fixture to a wider audience across our channels.”

Watch the Scottish Junior Cup Final live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002d34b

BBC ALBA broadcasts live coverage from Hampden for SWNT Nations League home finale tonight

BBC ALBA is set to air the latest League A UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture as Scotland Women’s National Team (SWNT) continue their campaign against Austria at Hampden tonight (Friday 30 May).

Broadcasting live on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer from 7.25pm ahead of kick off at 7.35pm, fans can join BBC Spòrs reporter and UEFA Scotland correspondent Alex O’Henley to watch the action unfold in this latest meeting between the two international sides. English commentary from Stuart Mitchell and Grant Scott will also be accessible via the ‘Red Button’.

Fiona MacKenzie, BBC ALBA commissioning editor, said: “BBC ALBA has been supporting SWNT’s Nations League campaign since the tournament kicked off earlier this year.

“We – along with so many others across the country – have followed the highs and lows of the international competition, and we’re excited to see how they perform in the penultimate league match against Austria this week.”

Following a 1-0 away defeat against the Austrian side in February, this highly anticipated rematch comes ahead of Scotland’s final second-leg battle against the Netherlands on 3 June at Tilburg.

Watch live or on demand on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer: 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002ctst

Super Strikers at Royston Wardieburn

“Welcome to Super Strikers!

 Edinburgh and Lothians answer to toddler football!

Start at 18 months and going up to 5 years old, Super Strikers offers fun and energetic classes.

With classes at the Royston Wardieburn Community Centre every Friday!

Our sessions help your little one not only improve and learn football skills but also helps builds confidence. 

 We offer a 3 week trial for all of our classes, across 7 different venues! 

 Find out more info and how to book here – https://superstrikers.kids.

Friday football!!! ⚽️⚽️⚽️

We are Super excited to have 8 classes on today! 🥳

You can still join us in #Granton or #Morningside in the morning! Or join us in the afternoon in #Bonnyrigg👋

More info and booking here – https://superstrikers.kids

We can’t wait to see everyone! ⚽️🏆

#superstrikers

#edinburgh

#superstrikersedinburgh

#football

#preschoolfootball

#supertots

#superkickers

#friday

#toddler

#edinburghmums

#toddleractivities

#toddlerlife

#ToddlerClasses

#toddlergroup

Pitch Perfect: Specsavers partner with Scotland Internationals to launch Specsavers Best Worst Pitch

New Initiative to Breathe New Life into Underfunded Grassroots Football Pitches across Scotland

  • The Best Worst Pitch initiative will provide line painting and pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to 50 grassroots clubs across the UK
  • The initiative addresses the lack of funding dedicated to pitch maintenance, which the brand has experienced during the Best Worst Team campaign
  • By helping make the pitch lines visible again, the initiative celebrates the volunteers who make grassroots football not only possible but playable—reinforcing Specsavers’ commitment to supporting the grassroots football community and the vital role clear vision plays both on and off the pitch.

Specsavers has partnered with Scottish international stars, Kirsty Smith and Erin Cuthbert to launch the Best Worst Pitch initiative.

Open to clubs across the UK, the initiative will provide 50 teams who are most in need with professional line painting equipment and GPS pitch mapping, pitch maintenance equipment, as well as maintenance training to help them maintain their pitches through the next season and beyond.

Clear and accurate line markings are vital not just for ensuring structure and fairness in the game, but also for helping players and officials navigate the pitch-enhancing visibility, spatial awareness, and overall safety throughout play.

Kirsty Smith added: “Grassroots football is the heart and soul of the game. It’s important that we back the communities and dedicated volunteers who keep it running.

“I remember how tough it was playing on a rough pitch, but it didn’t hold me back, it just made me realise how important these pitches are.

This is a campaign I’m really proud of – The Best Worst Pitch initiative will ensure that pitches are in the best condition possible so that everyone can enjoy using them.”

The announcement comes as UK football governing bodies have recently highlighted that maintaining grassroots pitches across the UK is one of the main issues facing the sport.

With councils stretched for funding, the responsibility for maintaining club pitches, often falls on dedicated members of the grassroots football community.

It’s a challenge Specsavers has seen up close, having renewed its’ sponsorship deal with the Scottish FA, to become the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner.

The deal will see the 24-year partnership continue for the rest of the season as Specsavers strives to support the growth of Scottish football in both the men’s and women’s game.

Erin Cuthbert added: “I called my papa “Net Man”. He’s no longer with us but he was always there, two hours early putting the nets up and sorting the pitch out.

“It’s little efforts like that that keep grassroots football alive. It’s absolutely vital that we get it right at this level so that young players can improve and have a better chance of succeeding in the sport.”

Specsavers have also documented the difficulties of grassroots teams through the Best Worst Team campaign—highlighting the real struggles faced at pitch level and further underlining the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting the grassroots football community.

Speaking about the struggles of pitch maintenance, Chairman of current Specsavers Best Worst Team, Tunley Athletic, Craig Doughty said: “It’s a real slog sometimes – every week, rain or shine, I’m out there doing two full laps of the pitch just to get the lines marked.

“The equipment we’ve got is ancient—it clogs, it leaks, and it takes twice as long as it should. On dark evenings or when the wind’s howling, it feels like it takes forever. But I do it because I love this club—it means everything to the community.”

In addition to providing equipment, Specsavers is also offering training and education to the selected clubs—aiming to tackle some of the long-term challenges faced by grassroots teams and the volunteers who maintain their pitches.

The ultimate goal is to improve the quality and longevity of these pitches, ensuring local communities can continue to enjoy them for many matches to come.

Kim Bull, PR and Social Lead, commented: “Over the last two seasons supporting clubs that need a bit of help with their eyes and ears, as well as their game, we’ve noticed the effort that goes into keeping grassroots clubs running.

“People like Craig, who quietly put in the hard work behind the scenes to keep pitches playable, is what grassroots football is all about.

“This initiative means we can support more clubs and communities, like Tunley.

“By making faded lines more visible, we’re helping players to see the beautiful game more clearly. And hopefully make fewer mistakes!”

To have a chance of being part of the Best Worst Pitch initiative and help improve the quality of your local club’s football pitch, apply online here.

Craigie: Football Coaches Wanted!

Good afternoon @everyone

The club is looking to add to the coaching team.

If you know of any Parents, Uncles, Aunties, Brothers, Sisters, friends of the family etc, that may be interested then please reach out.

Alternately ask them to speak to myself (on below details) or Colin Dudgeon when down at the pitches.

Thanks,

Daz

🟡🔵🟡🔵

Mixu Paatelainen unveiled as Spartans Sporting Director

The Spartans are delighted to welcome Mixu Paatelainen as their new Sporting Director, supporting our Men’s and Women’s senior teams and our Men’s Under 20 team.

70 times capped for his native Finland, Paatelainen takes up the new role at The Spartans where he will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise courtesy of a playing career spanning two decades, followed up by eighteen years in managerial roles on both a domestic and national arena.

Speaking of his decision to join The Spartans, Mixu Paatelainen said: “I’ve been very impressed how people go about things, how organised they are, how good the people who are in charge are, and their ambition.

“Everybody knows that Spartans is a community club who do a lot for the kids – boys and girls – which is fabulous. The facilities are fantastic and what struck me straight away is that people are very ambitious, they don’t want to be a League 2 club all the way, they want to go forward and do better, and it’s a wonderful club, wonderful people, so I want to be part of that.

“I will step on nobody’s toes, that’s for sure – I want to be a sounding board. I know some head coaches, when there’s a sporting director coming to a club for the first time, they might be alarmed and worry that people think they are not doing a good enough job. That is not the case here.  Dougie has done a fantastic job, there’s no question, and this is just another piece in the jigsaw. It’s as simple as that.

“We want to  try to make us stronger and hopefully improve us enough to take the next step.”

Chairman Craig Graham added, “Mixu’s appointment brings us so much expertise.  He will support me, my fellow Directors and all our coaches as we continue to grow and develop our club.  It’s a brilliant appointment for us.

“We are an ambitious club and the Mixu will help us drive forward all aspects of our strategic agenda.  After a hugely successful playing and managerial career Mixu now has a senior role in the UEFA Technical team and with the SFA in coach education.

“He is so passionate about football and to helping others develop, it’s such an exciting move for us.” 

Street Soccer launches Kitback initiative

TACKLING SOCIAL INEQUALITY AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY

Award winning charity, Street Soccer has today announced the launch of Kitback, a new charitable social enterprise designed to combine a collective love of football with social impact through the sale of pre-loved, upcycled football shirts.

All proceeds from the initiative will go towards supporting the life-changing work that Street Soccer addresses including homelessness, mental health, social exclusion, problem substance use and poverty.

Launching across the UK, Kitback will collect pre-loved football shirts from donors at dedicated drop-off points or by post and upcycle them in preparation for resale.

All shirts from teams, leagues, and countries across the globe are welcomed, offering a wide range of options for like-minded football enthusiasts to choose from. Each purchase made through Kitback gives fans a chance to own a piece of football history while contributing to greater causes.

Supporting the launch, football clubs, players and foundations are getting involved. Fulham FC Foundation have become the first professional club to donate to Kitback with others set to follow suit in the coming weeks and months.

As well as addressing key societal issues, the initiative also promotes environmental benefits by reducing waste and the demand for new clothing production, lowering football fans’ environmental footprint and keeping the circular economy moving.

As Kitback grows, another significant impact the social enterprise will have is to create jobs and volunteering opportunities for Street Soccer players and the wider community, helping to develop skills and experience that can be carried forward into the wider employment environment.

David Duke MBE, Social Entrepreneur & Founder of Street Soccer Scotland, expressed his enthusiasm for the new initiative: “Kitback is more than just a campaign; it’s a movement that brings together our shared passion for football and our collective commitment to helping our local communities.

“Football has a unique ability to unite people behind social causes and through Kitback, supporters can make a real difference. By donating your pre-loved football shirts and buying from Kitback when adding a new kit to your collection, you’re not only reducing environmental waste but also helping to empower and enrich people’s lives through everything we do at Street Soccer.”

Football fans, players and clubs are encouraged to come together with businesses and organisations to join the Kitback movement by donating and purchasing shirts, spreading the word, facilitating drop-off points and taking part in kit donation days during the year. Let’s change the world, one football shirt at a time!

SPFL announces 2024/25 William Hill Premiership post-split fixtures

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today published the post-split fixture list for the William Hill Premiership following another dramatic weekend of football.

St Mirren secured their place in the top six with a 3-2 victory over Ross County on Saturday, to join Celtic, Rangers, Hibernian, Dundee United and Aberdeen in the top half of the table.

The schedule for the final five fixture rounds has now been confirmed, with the 30 games to be played across the weekend of April 26/27, the weekend of May 3/4, the weekend of May 10/11, the midweek of May 13/14 and the weekend of May 17/18.

The final top-six fixtures in this season’s William Hill Premiership will take place on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm, while the bottom six will conclude on Sunday May 18 at 3.00pm.

For the first time since 2017/18 unfortunately it has not been possible to ensure that all clubs will have 19 home games and 19 away games across the season. In the top six, St Mirren will play 20 home fixtures and in the bottom six Motherwell will have 18 home games. Motherwell were the last club to gain a home game when a 19/19 balance could not be achieved in 2017/18, with Heart of Midlothian having only 18 home fixtures on that occasion.

Celtic will have the opportunity to win the title away to Dundee United in the first post-split fixture on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports at 12.30pm, while their final meeting of the season with Rangers will be at Ibrox on Sunday May 4, live on Sky Sports at 12 noon.

Sky Sports will also show Rangers v Aberdeen on Sunday May 11, kick-off 12 noon, and Celtic v St Mirren on Saturday May 17, kick-off 12.30pm. Sky may also select a match in due course for live broadcast in fixture round 37.

David Gray’s Hibernian, who are on a 17-game unbeaten run and sit third in the table, begin their postsplit matches away to Aberdeen before hosting Dundee United the following week.

In the bottom half of the table, only a single point separates the clubs in ninth, 10th and 11th position and two of them, Kilmarnock and Ross County, go head to head at Rugby Park in fixture round 34. Dundee, who currently occupy the relegation play-off spot, begin their run-in against Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle.

Calum Beattie, SPFL Chief Operating Officer, said: “It was another hugely exciting weekend of football, with three clubs going into Saturday’s matches separated by only a single point in the battle for the final top-six place and St Mirren making the cut with a late winner.

“I’m pleased to be able to publish the fixtures and TV selections for the remaining five rounds of the William Hill Premiership. There is so much to play for between now and the end of the season, with the title, European qualification and relegation places all on the line. It all gets started with a huge match at Tannadice on Saturday April 26, live on Sky Sports.”

POST-SPLIT MATCHES CONFIRMED FOR LIVE BROADCAST ON SKY SPORTS

Saturday April 26: Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Sunday May 4: Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Sunday May 11: Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)
Saturday May 17: Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)

William Hill Premiership fixture rounds 34-38 announced

TOP-SIX FIXTURES

Saturday April 26
Dundee United v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Aberdeen v Hibernian (3.00pm)
St Mirren v Rangers (3.00pm)

Saturday May 3
Hibernian v Dundee United (3.00pm)
St Mirren v Aberdeen (3.00pm)

Sunday May 4
Rangers v Celtic (Sky Sports, 12 noon)

Saturday May 10
Celtic v Hibernian (3.00pm)
Dundee United v St Mirren (3.00pm)

Sunday May 11
Rangers v Aberdeen (Sky Sports, 12 noon)

Wednesday May 14
Aberdeen v Celtic (7.45pm)
Rangers v Dundee United (7.45pm)
St Mirren v Hibernian (7.45pm)

Saturday May 17
Celtic v St Mirren (Sky Sports, 12.30pm)
Dundee United v Aberdeen (12.30pm)
Hibernian v Rangers (12.30pm)

BOTTOM-SIX FIXTURES    

Saturday April 26
Heart of Midlothian v Dundee (3.00pm)
Kilmarnock v Ross County (3.00pm)
Motherwell v St Johnstone (3.00pm)

Saturday May 3
Dundee v Motherwell (3.00pm)
Ross County v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Kilmarnock (3.00pm)

Saturday May 10
Heart of Midlothian v Motherwell (3.00pm)
Kilmarnock v Dundee (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Ross County (3.00pm)

Wednesday May 14
Dundee v Ross County (7.45pm)
Heart of Midlothian v St Johnstone (7.45pm)
Motherwell v Kilmarnock (7.45pm)

Sunday May 18
Kilmarnock v Heart of Midlothian (3.00pm)
Ross County v Motherwell (3.00pm)
St Johnstone v Dundee (3.00pm)

Please note: Sky Sports may select a Round 37 match (midweek of May 14) in due course

Football community unites to relegate hunger to history in Scotland

Leading anti-poverty charity, Trussell, launched Football vs Hunger – a campaign aimed at encouraging football clubs and fans to play their part in ending hunger in Scotland at this weekend’s St Johnstone match at McDiarmid Park in Perth.

During the 23/24 SPL and SPFL seasons, 211,609 emergency food parcels were distributed across Scotland – this includes 69,148 parcels provided for children facing hunger across the country. This is enough parcels to put one on every seat in Hampden Park four times over, with thousands of food parcels extra.

Clubs from throughout Scotland, have already joined Trussell’s Football vs Hunger campaign and have signed the Football vs Hunger charter.

This charter involves a number of commitments, including to call out and work to stamp out poverty chanting if it happens in the ground or from when the club’s fans are visiting opposition stadiums.

Hunger in Scotland isn’t a food problem – it’s an income problem. If everyone has enough money to for the essentials, we’ll end hunger for good. We know what needs to change to make this future possible, but we can only get there if everyone plays their part.

The clubs who have signed the charter are also encouraging fans to sign up to Trussell FC on the Trussell website to support the charge to end the need for food banks in Scotland.

Francis Smith, CEO of St Johnstone FC, said: “Football has a proud history of leading the way in shaping a better society, by uniting as one voice.

“Food banks are a lifeline for people facing hardship – but they’re not the solution. All of us at St Johnstone FC believe that everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials and that there shouldn’t be a single person in our community who has to experience hunger.

“Everyone at the club is so proud of how Saints fans already rally to support the local food bank. That’s why we want to encourage you to join football’s fight against hunger, and sign for Trussell FC – the only other team we’ll wholeheartedly encourage you to support.”

Football legend, Jeff Stelling, has thrown his support behind the campaign, saying: “Hunger in the UK was never an issue I expected to become so significant in 2025, but has become one of the most critical concerns in modern Britain.

“It’s just not right that so many people can’t afford to feed their families, and need to turn to food banks.

“That’s why I’m proud to support Football vs Hunger, and join the football community helping to end the need for food banks.”

Lori Hughes, Project manager at Perth and Kinross foodbank, said: “Football is made up of great rivalries, but one thing the football community can agree on is that we need to end hunger in the UK.

“Football vs Hunger is a rallying cry for everyone who loves the game to stand up for the people in their communities who can’t afford the essentials. So whatever colour shirt you wear, sign up to Trussell FC and join the football wide effort to end the need for food banks.”

Ellie Lambert, Head of Activations at Trussell, said: “Football clubs sit at the heart of almost every community in Scotland, that’s why we are delighted that so many clubs are choosing to show their support for our Football vs Hunger campaign.

“With hundreds of thousands of fans believing that there should be no place in a modern Britain for food banks, football can be a powerful voice for positive change.”

Fans who want to sign up to Trussell FC can visit: trussell.org.uk/football

£100 million to revamp local sports facilities across UK

People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by UK Government

  • Major package to upgrade hundreds of local grassroots sports facilities with new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights
  • Investment will target deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented groups
  • At least 40% of funded projects have a multi-sport offer ensuring more can participate and get active as the Government delivers its ‘Plan for Change‘

People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government yesterday.

Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities. 

It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.  

The major package delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, with the funding designed to break down barriers to opportunity and tackle persistent health inequalities through prevention, that will support an NHS fit for the future.

These facilities also encourage communities to come together and give young people opportunities to build vital skills and connections while creating a sense of purpose and pride in where they live.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the funding during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, a grassroots football facility in Midlothian, Scotland which supports over 700 players. 

The funding will be invested in sites during 2025/26, with £82.3 million allocated to projects in England (including a £2 million uplift of new investment committed in the current financial year), £8.6 million in Scotland, £6.1 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland. 

It follows the Culture Secretary’s pledge to inspire the next generation as the Lionesses go to UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 this summer as defending champions, and England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland look ahead to hosting UEFA EURO 2028. 

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.

“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.

Government funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is amplified by significant contributions by The FA and Premier League in England. Delivery partners also leverage investment from local stakeholders through initiatives such as the Scottish FA and Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s ‘Pitching in’ campaign which aims to raise £50 million for football facilities over the next five years. “

https://twitter.com/i/status/1903109169420419211

Of the funded projects, at least 40% will have a multi-sport offer so that more people can participate in sports other than football, meaning more people can get access to a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them including rugby, cricket and basketball. 

Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding. Applications can be made in England via the Football Foundation on an ongoing basis, and in Wales via the Cymru Football Foundation.

Dedicated windows are opening shortly in Scotland and Northern Ireland with those interested encouraged to check relevant FA websites for more details. The first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to be confirmed in summer 2025. 

The Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activities.

“Through this scheme almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding we can look forward to many more.

“As a lifelong football fan I am excited as we build towards hosting Euro2028. I look forward to working with the SFA to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play our national sport – as we support the team on the biggest stage.”

Scottish FA President, Mike Mulraney said: “When I became President, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.

“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for this latest commitment, which will enable us to further improve the infrastructure of our national sport.

“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the Power of Football.

“It follows the Scottish FA’s commitment to ensuring profits are diverted to facilities and infrastructure via our Pitching In fund and I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UK Government, DCMS and Scottish Government, as well as philanthropic and business communities, to rejuvenate Scottish football’s facilities footprint.”